Pokemon Champions launches on Switch in April, mobile release later in 2026
Pokemon Champions will arrive on Nintendo Switch in April, with iOS and Android versions planned later in 2026, a joint announcement from The Pokemon Company and The Pokemon Works revealed. The timing was unveiled around Pokémon Day—marked on the 27th this year—and the announcement coincides with the series' 30th anniversary and a Pokémon Presents showcase.
Announcement timing on Pokémon Day and the 30th anniversary
The 27th was celebrated as Pokémon Day, and the reveal of pokemon champions came as part of the Pokémon Presents event tied to the 30th anniversary of the series. The presentation gave an approximate release window: the game will arrive on Nintendo Switch in April and will reach mobile devices later in 2026.
Pokemon Champions: Switch in April, iOS and Android later in 2026
The Pokemon Company and developer The Pokemon Works confirmed the two-stage rollout: trainers can start battling on Nintendo Switch in April, while iOS and Android versions are slated for later in 2026. The announcement makes clear the game will appear on both console and mobile platforms, with a Switch launch preceding the mobile releases.
Battle focus, formats and modes spelled out
Pokemon Champions is described as a battle-focused game featuring familiar mechanics, two formats and three battle modes. Players will be able to compete in both 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 battles, and the title emphasizes head-to-head play as its core loop.
Pokemon HOME linking, Pokemon Legends: Z-A connection and Mega Stone rewards
Trainers will be able to connect Pokemon Legends: Z-A to Pokémon HOME later this year, and by linking pokemon champions to Pokémon HOME they can bring Pokémon that appear in both titles to visit Pokemon Champions and battle alongside them toward the title of Champion. Additional rewards will be claimable in Pokemon Champions: players who transfer the corresponding Pokémon originally obtained in Pokemon Legends: Z-A into Pokémon HOME can claim Chesnaughtite stone, Delphoxite stone and Greninjite stone.
Backward compatibility, Switch 2 support, customization and media
The game is expected to be backward compatible and can also be enjoyed on Nintendo Switch 2, and the reveal highlighted a significant number of options for customizing games. The announcement was accompanied by an entertaining trailer, an opening movie and a new set of images, underscoring the developer's push to make pokemon champions accessible to all audiences without barriers.
Competitive plans and the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco
Pokemon Champions is also expected to appear on the main stage for the Video Game Championships later this year at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco, signaling an intent to position the title within organized competitive play during its launch year.
